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Neighborly dispute now in the courts

Chris and Whitney Potter never know if they will be able to get down their long driveway when they return from a weekend away from home.

Becky Vargo

robinson township

Jun 9, 2014

They claim their neighbor has blocked their access several times.

“He blocked it one time with a Quonset hut, trailer, shingles, metal bunk bed, trees and cables,” said Chris’ mother, Vicki Potter. “May 4 was the most recent with the cable across the road and some trees.”

The Potters own the back five acres of what was once a 10-acre parcel. Their driveway goes across the front five acres – property owned by Scott Lazarwicz, 13681 104th Ave.

When they bought their house two years ago, it came with deeded access, or an easement, Whitney said.

The homeowner said she was reluctant to make this into a big negative issue with her neighbor, but the actions taken against them have forced them to file a lawsuit – not only so they can get to their home, but so emergency vehicles can also get there if necessary.

Whitney said the whole thing started when Lazarwicz approached her about using the driveway further to the south, along the Consumers Energy easement.

“It was because he wanted to put up a pole barn,” she said.

The lawsuit was filed to ask for a judgment to be made to resolve the issue.

Lazarwicz has not responded to a request from the Tribune to talk about the situation.

His fiancé, Angie Lesley, answered the door when approached by this Tribune reporter, but said Lazarwicz was the one who needed to answer questions.

Calls to attorneys representing both parties also had not been returned before press time.

To read more of this story, see today's print or e-edition of the Grand Haven Tribune.

You're right TCR...Judgement for the plantiffs(the Potter's) No property is allowed to be landlocked in the State of Michigan. If an easement for ingress/egress IS recorded then, this should be resolved in 10 minutes. Even if there was no easement, a judge would mandate one if, requested.

Neighbor Lazarwicz better wise up or you're gonna' pay. Consumer power easement is not an option nor would it be allowed by CP. If both parties agree, the easement could be moved to mutually agreed location, but good luck with that.